Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 1

4.33

The obvious tie-in for this collection of modern Middle Eastern funk is "Desert Rose," Sting's collaboration with Algeria's prince of rai, Cheb Mami, which was a hit car commercial before becoming a hit single. But the deserts of North Africa and the Levant are lush with Oriental pop, from Cairo's movie music to/a>/a>

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

The musical selections contained in this CD are sensual and upbeat and it is a good choice for those who are being introduced to Middle Eastern music for the first time. The mystifying and exotic sounds really bring out the flavor of the Arabic rhythms. It goes without saying that I enjoyed the pairing of Sting and Cheb Mami in "Desert Rose." Many of the artists on this CD, especially the senual voices of Natasha Atlas singing, "Mon Amie La Rose," Soraya singing, "I'm Yours" (in English), and Latifa's powerful voice in "Inchallah," were most enjoyable. I liked listening to Rachid Taha singing, "Qalantiqa." His music mixes Eastern and Western sounds together, producing an upbeat sound. I've played this CD over... and over... and over, again. I'm going to wear it out!

SourceressDeStella

More than 1 year ago

Not "traditional" Arabic music but a sampling of many different styles. You'll find tunes in English, French, Arabic. Some Rock, some techno, some pop. Sting and Cheb Mami have their world hit "Desert Rose" on track 5, but I also love track 7 "I'm Your"s where a Colombian star sings in English to music with both a hint of the Middle East and Latin America. Andy on track 6 blends Persian song with American rock guitar- another fave for me. All danceable, and inspiring enough to want the rest of the Desert Roses series.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This album has some great cuts on it and is a great introduction to Middle Eastern music for Westerners unaccustomed to non-Western music. Sting and Cheb Mami's cut of "Desert Rose" makes the album worthwhile initself, but there are a number of other really great pieces on this album. "Desert Roses 2" is equally good!